Tre Mason, a 1,000-yard rusher during a forgetful Auburn season a year ago, is poised to compete for the conference rushing title in Gus Malzahn's offense. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.

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Tre Mason isn't getting a lot of respect in football circles.

Maybe because his 1,002 rushing yards last year came during a dismal season for Auburn.

However, Gus Malzahn has returned to the Plains and Mason is licking his chops. Malzahn helped Michael Dyer make a name for himself. And had it not been for off-field issues, Dyer would be the star of the team.

Instead, that role goes to Mason, whom I believe will be the biggest surprise of the year.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I won't be surprised if he leads all conference running backs in rushing yards in 2013.